Omar meets PM, seeks security, fund for sarpanches

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought assistance in providing security and honorarium to newly-elected Panches and sarpanches so that Panchayati raj institutions are further strengthened.

The 42-year-old Chief Minister also met UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister discussing issues related to NC-Congress coalition government in the state.

The CM sought liberal central funding for devolution of resources to panchayats including payment of honorarium to nearly 33,000 panches and sarpanches.

During an hour-long meeting with the PM, the Chief Minister discussed issues relating to strengthening of panchayat institutions, special assistance for a mono-rail or metro project for Srinagar and Jammu and assistance in power sector so that relief could be given to consumers.

The Chief Minister sought liberal central funding for devolution of resources to panchayats including payment of honorarium to nearly 33,000 panches and sarpanches.

"The historic panchayat elections have raised expectations of the common man in the development share of the state," Omar was quoted in an official release as saying.

On the part of the state government, transfer of functions, functionaries and funds to Panchayat Raj institutions is a commitment and a beginning has been made by transferring the functions of 14 departments and ensuring flow of funds, Omar told the Prime Minister.

According to the state government release, the Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister of active consideration of the proposals made to various union ministries and said the Centre would continue to support the Jammu and Kashmir government in its efforts to march on the road to peace and prosperity.